Controlling metal structure with remelting process in direct energy deposition of Inconel 625

Direct energy deposition (DED) is a metal additive manufacturing process that involves the application of a large amount of heat energy, which generates a thermal gradient across the deposited part. This usually results in unexpected anisotropy and weakening of the deposited part due to residual pours. These problems need to be solved to ensure satisfactory results when using DED. This study led to the proposal of a simple heat treatment procedure for DED-produced parts in the form of a remelting process, which controls the metal crystal orientation and eliminates residual pours. The use of a high-power laser for remelting certainly obtained high-density metal structures with high hardness. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of CIRP.